No holiday eviction planned; threat from drug houses is real

As police chief in the city of Syracuse and as a Syracuse police officer for over 35 years, I understand criticism is part of the job. I also believe constructive and honest criticism can lead to positive change. For these reasons, I have seldom responded to criticism from newspaper reporters in the form of a letter to the editor. However, the article Christmas Day written by Sue Weibezahl Porter, entitled "101 and Losing Her Home," warrants a response.

The large photograph on the front page of the local section depicts a loving granddaughter, Mary Reaves, with her 101-year-old grandmother, Mamie Singleton, in a clean, well-decorated residence. This was a very different scenario than that encountered by my narcotic detectives.

Our department responded to an outcry from the community that this house was the site of daily illegal drug sales. The concern was that with drug dealing houses come all the associated gun violence and violent crime. The fear of neighbors that this activity could result in stray bullets penetrating their windows and possibly striking their children was real.

For months, my detectives investigated this residence, along with associated residences, and this investigation revealed that two individuals were dealing crack cocaine from 114 Baker Ave. Search warrants were executed at multiple locations and over 18 ounces of cocaine and three firearms were seized, as we discovered 114 Baker Ave. was part of a large narcotic operation. Those involved were arrested. Your reporter failed to mention that Mary Reaves, Singleton's granddaughter, was also charged with illegal drug possession.

Mamie Singleton is a true victim. She is not a victim of the police action, however. She is a victim of a family that turned her home into a dangerous, weapon-possessed drug house. This home was allowed by her family to become one of the filthiest homes my narcotics detectives state they have ever executed a search warrant within. Conditions in this house included raw sewage and human waste. In fact, when the Syracuse Police Department made repeated attempts to resolve on-going drug issues, it was this same family that completely refused to meet with members of this police department to avoid a possible six-month closure.

Finally, after all refusals, the granddaughter cries out that it is the action of the police and not the family's actions that created the existing situation.

Sue Weibezahl Porter reflected in her article that if it were not for Judge Aloi, the police would have evicted the occupants of 114 Baker Ave. on Christmas Eve. She was informed by Lt. Joe Cecile prior to composing her article that no eviction would occur until after the holidays. This decision was made by Lt. Cecile and me prior to any intervention by Judge Aloi, and was communicated to Attorney Tom Miller, who represents family members, that no eviction process was to occur until after the Christmas holiday.

Moreover, Weibezahl Porter's article stated the police department "may" contact social services to help in the placement of Miss Singleton. Weibezahl Porter was informed that this would be a definite action and not a "may" situation. Our intention was for Miss Singleton to be placed in a safe, drug-free location, where all the potential danger of living in a drug house no longer existed.

I congratulate the men and women of the Syracuse Police Department who work so courageously every day to rid our community of illegal drug dealers. I also thank Syracuse United Neighbors for its tireless efforts to close down drug dens like 114 Baker Ave.

My responsibility as police chief is to terminate the operations of gun-possessing drug dealers, who poison and kill our young people. That is exactly what the officers of the Syracuse Police Department will continue to do.

Gary Miguel, chief
Syracuse Police Department

EDITOR'S NOTE: The reason the report published Christmas Day did not include the fact that Mary Reaves had been arrested was because the charge was dismissed, and therefore not considered relevant to the story about the pending eviction. While recollected details of conversations between Chief Miguel, Lt. Cecile and our reporter may differ, the story accurately reported that Reaves and her 101-year-old mother received notice on Dec. 19 that they could be forced to move from their home in five days, which was Christmas Eve. Although the police had some discretion and may not have planned to carry out the order until after Jan. 1, and although Judge Anthony Aloi halted the process until the case could be heard Jan. 5, the intent of authorities remained to close the house for six months.